SmartGate open to US and UK travellers

Customs Minister Maurice Williamson announced today the introduction of SmartGate to United States and United Kingdom ePassport holders on departure.

SmartGate is Customs’ automated passenger processing system, which has been used by six million people since its introduction in 2009.

“Building on the success and popularity of SmartGate with New Zealanders and Australians, the system is now being made available to eligible US and UK ePassport holders departing New Zealand.

“I’m sure eligible passengers will be just as impressed with how quick and easy it is to use the technology,” Mr Williamson says.

SmartGate uses the information in ePassports and facial recognition technology to perform customs and immigration checks. The technology improves border security by allowing Customs to focus on high-risk travellers.

About 50,000 people use the automated self-processing system each week. Twenty two gates are in operation at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports for both departures and arrivals.

Customs is currently trialling a prototype of the next generation of SmartGate, called SmartGate Plus, at Auckland International Airport. SmartGate Plus is a more intuitive one-step concept, where the passport is scanned at the gate, eliminating the need for the kiosk and ticket.

“It’s great New Zealand is able to play a part in the evolution of this technology, and another example of how the Government is always looking for new ways to improve the passenger experience,” Mr Williamson says.

ends

© Scoop Media

New Court Orders, Screening, Guardianship Changes...: Government Ignoring Poverty, Again

It remains to be seen if announcements today will better protect children, but the National Government is forgoing an opportunity to really help kids by ignoring the elephant in the room, which is poverty, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei says.

"All the experts have told the Government that very low income is associated with higher rates of child maltreatment and neglect -- something which was totally ignored in the Government's Children's Action Plan and the announcements today," Mrs Turei said. More>>